Monterey County ambulance service extension postponed

A proposed one-year extension of the local ambulance contract with American Medical Response will be delayed for more than nine months to allow time to work out several issues raised by area officials and emergency responders.

On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors agreed to postpone its consideration of the extension until November after local officials, fire chiefs and other emergency responders urged a review of the current ambulance contract because of complaints ranging from emergency response policies to billing practices.

Some even called for an overhaul of the contract and putting it out to bid before the deal expires in early 2017.

The board was told of massive bills and concerns about AMR's lack of "preferred provider" status with Blue Cross; disagreements over long-running response-sharing arrangements; and accusations that AMR was putting profits over patient interests.

Among those calling for a delay were Monterey County Regional Fire District Chief Mike Urquides, Carmel Mayor Jason Burnett, Salinas City Councilwoman Kimbley Craig, county social services employee and SEIU representative Linda Sakata, and North County Fire Chief Chris Orman.

AMR was seeking its third one-year extension for the contract, which began as a five-year deal in 2010. The county Emergency Medical Care Committee had recommended approval of the request, saying the company had met the terms of the contract.

Supervisor Dave Potter proposed the delay, but warned local officials that he expected them to develop a specific set of issues to be resolved and to work diligently toward a resolution in the next nine months. Potter noted the general praise for AMR's core ambulance service, and said he hoped to avoid sending the contract out to an early bid.

"Over the years, there has been a circular discussion (over ambulance service)," he said, saying fire and ambulance officials had long been at odds. "I'd really like to bring closure to this."

AMR Regional General Manager Doug Petrick argued his company remained in compliance with all terms of the contract and the proposed extension shouldn't be held up by disagreements, many of which he said had never been clearly articulated. Petrick said AMR was open to changes in the contract but said a new extension could be granted in the meantime.

County emergency medical committee members Harold Wolgamott and Harry Robins spoke in support of the extension. Wolgamott said AMR had succeeded in extending equitable service to much of the county, including traditionally difficult-to-serve areas such as South County, and did it without the usual county subsidy. Robins said improvements to the ambulance contract were already under way, and agreed the process for developing a new contract and request for proposals should begin immediately.

· Approved a new green building ordinance designed to require county buildings to meet state environmental construction standards and offer incentives for private development to meet similar guidelines.

· Gave the nod to an equal opportunity and anti-discrimination ordinance, as well as an equal opportunity plan.

· Put off until Feb. 12 reviewing both a proposed legal settlement with the Carmel Valley Association over the general plan and options for processing certain land-use applications if the county's subdivision committees are eliminated.